System and method for controlling a pilotless device

Abstract

A method of, or system for, controlling a pilotless device, uses independent data links that provide multiple, redundant data channels. First, a direct radio link with a ground control station is used to receive command signals that enable a pilot to issue commands to an autopilot in the device, or to directly control the device. Secondly, there is an indirect control link with the ground control station, via satellites, that is used to send command signals to the device and to send back flight information and position data from a GPS or other satellite-based position receiver in the device. Thirdly, there is an indirect position data link back to the ground control station, via low earth orbit satellites, that is used to send back position data from a different GPS or other satellite-based position receiver in the device.

1 . A method for controlling a pilotless device, such as a RPA, in which the device is configured to use the following independent data links that provide multiple, redundant data channels:
 (a) a direct radio link with a ground control station, configured to receive command signals that enable a pilot to issue commands to an autopilot in the device or have direct flight control over the device;   (b) an indirect control link with the ground control station, a different ground control station or another form of control centre, the control link being via satellites, such as low earth orbit satellites, and being configured to send command signals to the device and to send back flight information and position data from a GPS or other satellite-based position receiver in the device;   (c) an indirect position data link back to the control centre(s), the position link being via satellites, such as low earth orbit satellites, and being configured to send position data from a GPS or other satellite-based position receiver in the device;   and in which the device includes an autopilot that can continue to operate the device even if communications on all uplinks, namely the direct radio link and the indirect control link, to the device cease operating.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , in which the direct radio link is a UHF radio link. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , in which the direct radio link enables direct control of the device from a pilot on the ground, whilst the device is sufficiently close to permit real-time control, and limited, indirect control by sending commands to an autopilot on the device, if the device is not sufficiently close. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , in which the indirect control link back to the ground station includes flight data from the device, such as engine data and artificial horizon data. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , in which the indirect position data link back to the ground control station utilizes components on the device that are isolated from the components used to provide the indirect control link. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , in which at any time, in normal operation, there are two independent uplinks to the device, namely the direct radio link and the indirect control link; and there are two independent downlinks, namely the indirect control link and the indirect position data link, each providing redundancy for enhanced safety. 
     
     
         7 . (canceled) 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , in which the device includes an autopilot that can continue to operate the device even if communications on all uplinks to the device cease operating, and is configured to autonomously cease its planned operation if it determines that it has exceeded a predetermined period of time or is likely to enter a restricted area or otherwise constitute a hazard or danger. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , in which the or each ground control station includes an antenna. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , in which the or each ground control station functions also as a control centre where one or more pilots are based. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , in which one or more ground control station functions do not operate as a control centre where one or more pilots are based. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1 , in which one or more control centres send and receive data to the device using an internet or other data connection to one or more satellite ground stations that send data to and receive data from the low earth orbit satellites. 
     
     
         13 - 37 . (canceled) 
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 5  in which the isolated components include GPS or other satellite-based position receiver or ADSB transponder and/or battery supply. 
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 1  in which the indirect control link and indirect position link use different GPS signals and/or different satellite protocols 
     
     
         40 . A system for controlling a pilotless device, such as a RPA, the system comprising a pilotless device, such as a RPA, a ground control station and control centre(s), in which the device is configured to use the following independent data links that provide multiple, redundant data channels:
 (a) a direct radio link with the ground control station, configured to receive command signals that enable a pilot to issue commands to an autopilot in the device or have direct flight control over the device;   (b) an indirect control link with the ground control station, a different ground control station or another form of control centre, the control link being via satellites, such as low earth orbit satellites, and being configured to send command signals to the device and to send back flight information and position data from a GPS or other satellite-based position receiver in the device;   (c) an indirect position data link back to the control centre(s), the position link being via satellites, such as low earth orbit satellites, and being configured to send position data from a GPS or other satellite-based position receiver in the device;   and in which the device includes an autopilot that can continue to operate the device even if communications on all uplinks, namely the direct radio link and the indirect control link, to the device cease operating.